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If you enjoy working with computers and figuring out how things work, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree is for you. Computer Information Systems is a growing field that allows graduates to work with companies' IT systems, analyze issues within the systems, and ensure all systems are kept up to date and working well. While working towards this degree, students will take classes in computer science, numerical analysis, and software and hardware.

Students who major in Computer Information Systems often have a strong background in computers and an understanding of software. Other necessary skills include mathematical and analytical skills, organizational, and communication skills. Professionals within this field must solve problems within information systems, so they must have the ability to analyze problems and efficiently create solutions.

In the mission field globally, there is an increasing need for technical solutions to not only the usual problems such as communication and coordination but also privacy, security, and encryption. The needs currently outstrip the available talent. Belhaven University is eager to train students for technical work in the mission field as well as in the larger business world.

What will I study?

Computing Fundamentals

Application Design and Management

Effective Problem Solving Practices

Network Management

Database Management

Operating Systems

Cyber/Information Security

What is the difference between Computer Science and Computer Information Systems?

They both deal very heavily with technology and its impact on our world, but they do so in very different ways. The easiest way is to put it in terms of the questions that each major tries to address:

Computer Information Systems: How does Technology work?

Computer Information Technology focuses solely on the practical applications of computers and those computing systems that help get work done. It generally involves learning programming only insofar as it is necessary to configure, maintain, and replace those computing systems as well as for tasks like workflow automation. Because of its heavy focus on the “state of the practice”, students are more likely to focus on applied technology areas such as networking, security, database management, and web application development.

Computer Science: Why does Technology work?

Computer Science does touch on the practical applications of technology similarly to CIS, but its primary goal is to train the student in the theoretical framework the undergirds all of computing technology. As a result, a fair amount of mathematics is required: Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Formal Languages and Automata Theory, etc. Also, there is a much heavier emphasis on software engineering and those areas of theory that help programmers understand the performance and stability of complex software systems. Students are expected to learn and understand the ever-changing “state of the art” wrt technology standard.